cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Broccoli and cauliflower can also be planted in Boise in the early spring, according to the National Gardening Association. —McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026

The flavors of the cauliflower and cherry tomatoes develop and become concentrated while the chickpeas get nicely crisped. —Deputy Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

The vegetables that thrive with less sunlight — spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage — happen to be everyday staples that show up on most shopping lists week after week. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026

This rich cauliflower casserole is laden with cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives, and two types of cheese. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear
• Romanesco cauliflower

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers